Roswell Star Watches From Sidelines

Ryan Jordan

09/18/2007

After the final whistle had blown on the 2006 AAAAA Championship game, prognosticators around the State immediately pointed at the Roswell Hornets as the favorite to repeat in 2007. It certainly was the logical pick with key starters returning across the board including their leading receiver and playmaker in the secondary, P.J. Biedel.

However, a devastating ACL tear at a summer camp out West derailed those plans and sent the Hornets in a search for somebody to replace his 47 catches and 4 INT's, while P.J. began the long road known as rehab.

"I've heard I have 4 to 6 months at best or 6 to 8 months recovery time. I'm just ready to get back out there and compete and win football games. I miss being able to play and work toward a championship. That's what I miss the most," P.J. Biedel said.

Biedel was working out for the University of Colorado coaching staff when he felt the pop in his knee.

"I pretty much knew I was hurt immediately. Right when I went down Coach Hawk (Dan Hawkins) ran over right away and their RB coach, Coach Tucker had just torn his ACL two months earlier so he was comforting me telling me how I'd be back soon. As soon as I got home they were calling to check on me and they sent me some handwritten letters. They really treated me well."

The Roswell star ran the gamut of emotions most athletes incur after a devastating injury such as the one he incurred. He's since gotten his self together and is now firmly focused on helping his teammates make another title run.

"I was really upset and more mad, just wondering why it happened. I changed my perception right after the Brookwood game this season though. Before that game I couldn't talk to anyone just because it hurt so bad to see them out there…I couldn't look at anyone pretty much. Now I'm fully motivated. I want to get back out there and play. It's been pretty tough but I've been able to help doing a little coaching and giving people pointers. I'm kind of like a mentor to the younger guys."

Despite his injury, several schools are still recruiting the versatile athlete and he is getting closer to setting some official visits down the road.

"I still don't have any offers and it's quieted down since text messaging stopped, but The Citadel and Furman have called. Navy, Elon, Dartmouth and Western Kentucky are all inviting me to games. I'm going to go to a Furman game and an Elon game this year. Im getting recruited mostly at slot receiver but I always thought that I may put more weight on and move back to safety.:

P.J. is letting the recruiting chips fall where they may and is strictly focused on the things he can control in the interim.

"I'm doing really well in school. I have a 3.4 GPA and a 1210 SAT and I just took the ACT this past weekend. I' m still watching film and going to film study on Saturday after the games. I'm just trying to stay prepared."

Despite being just a spectator for his senior season, Biedel still expects big things from the Hornets.

"Were very good. We got everyone back from last year so we have as good or better chance as last year. We have to keep our heads on straight and not get cocky. I really think were going to be 13-0 and win the championship."

As for college scouts how are curious of how he will respond after his injury, P.J. just has a simple message.

"I would tell recruiters that if they're willing to take a chance, they can see what I did last year and I'm going to work my ass off to be better than that."

GAVSV would like to send our best to this young man in his rehab and wish him the best in college. He was a lot of fun to watch over these past two seasons at Roswell.